I didn't watch his earlier matches, so he might have favored it earlier in the tourney, but I never saw him check it in the final or favor it in any way.

With Djokovic skipping Barcelona he should definitely be ready to go at Rome.

A few weeks off at this time looks to be about perfect for tournaments leading up to RG and RG itself.

Nadal still playing though and it may be too much too soon for the guy.

Djokovic never played in Barcelona as far as I can remember. I think Rafa is being stupid playing there btw. what can he gain?

Clay season is always hard for Rafa. Reacing four finals in five weeks is much, and then there's only one week before RG. I'm not sure whether he'd play at Barcelona if he weren't a Spaniard. On the other hand, Barcelona is better preparation for RG than Madrid's high-altitude clay.

But he could still get the preparation from Rome. It's practically the exact same tournament as RG, and is right before it.

I agree. I don't think he should be playing in Barcelona. But I guess it could benefit him somewhat. From watching the final against Nole, his weak point at this point is his mental strength. Too many errors in pressure moments. The only way to try and fix that is match play.

Nadal does get more practice and if he wins some confidence not to mention points and money.

I agree. I don't think he should be playing in Barcelona. But I guess it could benefit him somewhat. From watching the final against Nole, his weak point at this point is his mental strength. Too many errors in pressure moments. The only way to try and fix that is match play.

Nadal does get more practice and if he wins some confidence not to mention points and money.

as if Rafa needs more money. Swish I do, mortgage, food, stupid things I don't need etc . Unfortunately, confidence and love is something you can't just purchase ... gosh, I feel like a poet tonight

I agree. I don't think he should be playing in Barcelona. But I guess it could benefit him somewhat. From watching the final against Nole, his weak point at this point is his mental strength. Too many errors in pressure moments. The only way to try and fix that is match play.

Nadal does get more practice and if he wins some confidence not to mention points and money.

as if Rafa needs more money. Swish I do, mortgage, food, stupid things I don't need etc . Unfortunately, confidence and love is something you can't just purchase ... gosh, I feel like a poet tonight

I agree. I don't think he should be playing in Barcelona. But I guess it could benefit him somewhat. From watching the final against Nole, his weak point at this point is his mental strength. Too many errors in pressure moments. The only way to try and fix that is match play.

Nadal does get more practice and if he wins some confidence not to mention points and money.

as if Rafa needs more money. Swish I do, mortgage, food, stupid things I don't need etc . Unfortunately, confidence and love is something you can't just purchase ... gosh, I feel like a poet tonight

You can buy love, don't be fooled.

as Jay Lo says 'My love don't cost a thing' ... does that make me cheap?

I agree. I don't think he should be playing in Barcelona. But I guess it could benefit him somewhat. From watching the final against Nole, his weak point at this point is his mental strength. Too many errors in pressure moments. The only way to try and fix that is match play.

Nadal does get more practice and if he wins some confidence not to mention points and money.

as if Rafa needs more money. Swish I do, mortgage, food, stupid things I don't need etc . Unfortunately, confidence and love is something you can't just purchase ... gosh, I feel like a poet tonight

I agree. I don't think he should be playing in Barcelona. But I guess it could benefit him somewhat. From watching the final against Nole, his weak point at this point is his mental strength. Too many errors in pressure moments. The only way to try and fix that is match play.

Nadal does get more practice and if he wins some confidence not to mention points and money.

as if Rafa needs more money. Swish I do, mortgage, food, stupid things I don't need etc . Unfortunately, confidence and love is something you can't just purchase ... gosh, I feel like a poet tonight

negative.

money = love 100% of the time.

love walks in the door all day and all night if you have money.

bud, could you hook me up with 'those girls' you are seeing ? I hope they are not too expensive .

this is what I need ... love red hair, skinny body with 'nice chest' ... she needs to have a university degree and be able to talk about tennis, art and classical music ... PM me if you know anybody like that, I'll be sending you that favorite scotch bottle you love